[Mini-invasive posterior sacrospinous ligament fixation using the CAPIO needle driver: an anatomical study]

Abstract

Objective: To study anatomical risks after posterior sacrospinous ligament fixation using the CAPIO needle driver.

Subjects and methods: A simplified bilateral posterior sacrospinous ligament fixation was performed on seven fresh female cadavers using the CAPIO needle driver. Cadavers were installed in gynaecologic position then dissected by the abdominal route. The posterior sacrospinous ligament fixation was performed after a posterior vaginal wall incision on the midline and a simplified dissection of both pararectal fossae. The abdominal dissection was focused on the sacrospinous ligament area. We measured the distance between the neurovascular elements adjacent to the sacrospinous ligament from the suture site.

Results: Thirteen sacrospinous ligaments were available for analysis. The mean length (+/-SD) of the ligament was 51+/-9.2 mm and the mean width at the level of fixation (+/-SD) was 23.5+/-5.7 mm. No rectal injury was observed. Fixations were in the deeper (ligament) and medium (muscle) part of the SSL in eight (61%) and five (39%) cases respectively. The ischial spine was 21.6 mm (range: 13-30). The mean distances between fixation and pudendal nerve and artery were 16.1 mm (range: 4-32) and 20 mm (range: 12-37) respectively.

Conclusion: Mini-invasive posterior sacrospinous ligament fixation using the CAPIO needle driver seemed to be reproducible with low anatomical risks. However, the fixation should be at least at 20 mm medially to the ischial spine in order to reduce neurological risks.